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Be happy Bike to work.

csharpening.net

31–40 of 141 posts

Re: Be happy Bike to work.

#31

The problem I have with this is I tend to uhh sweat more than a normal person. (Not because I'm out of shape, just because I sweat a lot...) I don't think I would feel comfortable biking to work simply because I would then smell all day and that's not exactly something I want to happen.

If there's no facilities, you can duck in a bathroom stall to towel off and change. Wash your hands and face, add some deodorant and cologne. My dad calls it the "Sigma Nu" shower.

Re: Be happy Bike to work.

#32
post #19

Please anyone reading this don't wear headphones, you've removed one of the most useful senses for knowing where there's a potential problem. I'd love to cycle to work, the only problem is it's a 160 mile round trip, so it's not too sustainable. I've thought about cycling the journey from my house to the train station but then I've got the additional problem of dealing with a bike on a busy train (two trains really),…

I think it's dependent on the riders reflexes/awareness, but you're right, in most instances a rider shouldn't. Having said that, it can be a driving force when going on endurance/long cycles. Have you ever thought about locking your bike up at the station? In London/UK a lot of stations offer this.

I've actually been weighing the idea up, I live in Middlesbrough and there is bike stations there, but it'd be a reasonably long cycle after an hour commute home so I'm still in two minds.

Re: Be happy Bike to work.

#33
post #5

I agree with almost everything said here. When I was living in San Francisco, though, my bike commute was only slightly longer than my bus commute (not because I am that fit, only because buses in San Francisco are terrible). SO MUCH less stressful! I did notice one thing, though: I wasn't reading as much or listening to podcasts as much anymore. I live in NYC now and fortunately I'm a very short walk to work. I can'…

The reading and podcasts are one of the things I miss when I ride. I love the exercise, fresh air, etc., but I also like sitting and reading on the train. It's nice to be able to mix it up.

Re: Be happy Bike to work.

#35
post #13

Please anyone reading this don't wear headphones, you've removed one of the most useful senses for knowing where there's a potential problem. I'd love to cycle to work, the only problem is it's a 160 mile round trip, so it's not too sustainable. I've thought about cycling the journey from my house to the train station but then I've got the additional problem of dealing with a bike on a busy train (two trains really),…

I ride with a single headphone on the curb-side ear. I can causally listen to pod casts, etc...and still keep all my senses of anything around me. Then again, I know plenty of drivers who shouldn't listen to things while driving because it's distracting for them. Keep sharp and pay attention. I commute about 40 miles/day. The bigger danger than not wearing headphones is those hybrid cars sneaking up on you, or a bunc…

In the UK as far as I'm aware you're not allowed to wear headphones whilst driving a car as you lose a sense. I think the single ear phone thing is a sensible idea, and you're right inattention is the bigger risk but that's a bit more tricky to change than no headphones.

Re: Be happy Bike to work.

#36
post #20

As someone who will be commuting by bike soon, I have to ask: what do you do when it rains/snows?

Wear the right clothes and bring a set of clothes to change into. :)

I bike to work in Ireland (150+ rain days a year - yay). Rain clothes takes care of that - just make sure they aren't too heavy.

When I was younger I worked as a mailman in Sweden for three winters, using a bike for 2-3h a day, every day. You don't even need a lot of clothes for that - a fleece over a set of thermal underwear will do you down to minus 10 C or so, after that you want a thicker jacket on top. Heat from the exercise keep you warm enough anyways.

For both rain and snow - get a good pair of gloves (hands are the only part that really sucks when wet/cold). For the cold, get a decent set of thermal underwear.

Re: Be happy Bike to work.

#38
I also happen to bike to work and it's indeed a refreshing experience. For me, the hard part is on the morning where the ride is 10km of climbing only — it starts in somewhat traffic heavy streets and ends in a peaceful quiet forest. The good thing is that the evening ride requires almost no effort, and it's a real pleasure to feel the wind on the hot days.

I wouldn't do it if I couldn't take a shower at work, though.

(Also, piece of advice : take your breakfast AFTER the ride. Your guts will thank you for not doing it before and you will enjoy the taste of food even more)

Re: Be happy Bike to work.

#39
post #30
post #21

You should really wear a helmet 24/7!! Also body armor. Listening to music on a bike is clearly suicide. Please do not take ANY risks. At all, ever. Also, become an entrepreneur. Take the plunge. Live your dream.

What's the benefit of not wearing a helmet when biking?

The same benefit as not wearing a seatbelt in the car. You feel more free, less restrained. I've cycled across half of Japan without a helmet and I did not feel in danger even for a single moment. Then I did one trip in Central London and vowed never to cycle without a helmet again.

Re: Be happy Bike to work.

#40
post #36
post #20

As someone who will be commuting by bike soon, I have to ask: what do you do when it rains/snows?

Wear the right clothes and bring a set of clothes to change into. :) I bike to work in Ireland (150+ rain days a year - yay). Rain clothes takes care of that - just make sure they aren't too heavy. When I was younger I worked as a mailman in Sweden for three winters, using a bike for 2-3h a day, every day. You don't even need a lot of clothes for that - a fleece over a set of thermal underwear will do you down to min…

I've found a good, British-style rain cape is light years better than waterproof jackets and pants. Better airflow means you sweat less.

Another trick for the cold: unless it's Sweden-cold, you should be a bit chilly when you get on the bike, otherwise you will overheat rather quickly.

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